Dassault-Brequet Super Etendard Armada Argentina.
Action in the South Atlantic
On the first of May 1982 the Aviacion Naval Argentina was in the possesion of the first batch of 8 Super Etendards. These aircraft equipped the 2a Escuadrilla de Caza Y Ataque, based at Comandante Espora, Puerto Belgrano.
These aircraft were identical to their French counterparts. Main armament is one AM39 Excocet missile under the starboard inner wing pylon, balanced by an expendible fuel tank beneath the opposite wing. Furthermore, standard two DEFA 30-mm cannons.
The Argentine Navy was in the possession of the former Dutch aircraft carrier “Karel Doorman”. These aircraft were capable of operating from this carrier.
(Model of this carrier under Dutch Flag in 1/400 from this author on the Imodeler net.)
Revenge for the sinking of the cruiser “Belgrano”
On the 4th of May, at 07.10, Lockheed Neptune 2-P-112, on a maritime reconnaissance mission made a radar contact and detected the signal of a Marconi 965 long range radar, as used on the type 42 British destroyers. The position of the type 42 was transmitted to the Argentine High Command.
After evaluation of the report, the high command ordered the launch of two Super Etendards, armed with the Exocet Missile. Although the search radar from the Neptune went unserviceable, they were able to guide the two Etendards (3A-202 / 3A-203) to the last known position of the Type 42.
After rendezvous with a KC-130H they started on their last leg of 250 miles (400km) to the target.
After repair of the search radar from the Neptune, this aircraft was able again to guide the two attack planes to the right coordinate.
Flight level on the last leg was 100 feet (30 meters) In radio silence and occasionally popping up the nose to make a scan with the Agave search radar, the flight leader was able to make a positive contact with the type 42. Reaching the release point, the aircraft launched their missiles from roughly 300 meter (1000 feet ). The HMS Sheffield had shut down its radar systems, because it was transmitting on its satellite equipment (To prevent interference). HMS Glasgow radar systems detected the two aircraft and raised the alarm. The rest is history.
When the export order was continued after the Falkland Conflict, the ANA received in total 14 Etendards. Some examples are still operational in the Argentine Navy
Conclusion: Never underestimate the determination, skills and equipment of the enemy.
The Model
The Heller aircraft was quite easy to put together. It has already recessed panel lines and the fit was good. I was also happy to find out, that the decals were of very good quality.
It was airbrushed with a Revell Master Airbrush, using Xtra Color paints. The deck vehicle and crew to provide electricity to the aircraft systems is from Verlinden. The display case is from ERTL.
Resources
Modern Aircraft (Bill Gunston)
Super Etendard (Christopher Chant
Wings of the Malvinas (Santiago Rivas) – A must have for the modeler with interest in this conflict.
Website: http://www.dutchfleet.nl
Regards, Dirk / The Netherlands
Beautiful work on that, Dirk...very nicely done.
Great build and diorama work!
Excellent model. Great photography.
She's a beauty Dirk! I really like that scheme. I think I might have this same kit in the stash, but hadn't considered doing the Argentine version - I may change my mind.
Great looking model and dio Dirk.
Love the Maritime outlook Dirk - Nice work !
Really cool build Dirk! I like it! Great work and great photography.
Seeing that ferry in the background is getting me excited! I'm coming to Amsterdam on Monday for the week!
Looking at your Heller Etendard, I start thinking it wasn't a good idea to sell mine! Nice job! Congratulations
Very nice build and story Dirk! Did you take the pics somewhere near Rotterdam? Cheers from Belgium, Michel.
Hello Michel,
Thanks for your kind words.
The pictures were made at the Westerschyelde entrance near the coastal place of Breskens.
Regards, Dirk
This is great, Dirk! I especially like photo #7. It looks like it is ready to defend ... or attack the ship in the background. Well done, Sir!
Fantastic work Dirk! I realy like the looks of your Super Etendard. Living close to the Westerschelde gives you a wonderful photo opportunity, specialy in the sunlight.
Dirk, a very nice looking model, great looking backdrop. Well done all around !
Superb work and photography Dirk. Really enjoyed the view and commentary.
Very nice presentation.
Very well built model and diorama, which remember us a dramatic war episode.
Fantastic posting, Dirk, the outside photographs really capture the look of the real thing, the history sets the atmosphere and your model completes the story.
Hello Imodelers,
Thanks for the kind words in regards for my Super Etendard.
Next time the US-Navy CH-46 Sea Knight from the Base Flight at Naval Air Base Whidbey Island in the State of Washington.
Regards, Dirk
WOW like it!
Hi Dirk,
Very good job and beautiful pictures. I thank Thatcher engineer should inspect the probe.
Best regards, Eric from France
I would to write "I think that engineer should inspect the probe... sorry for my phone make me a joke...
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your comment.
The cover of the probe is not fully open. With this position I had the strongest gluing point on the model.
It (the model) has to sustain very heavy turbulence (read Belgian cobblestone roads) during transport to the venues.
Regards, Dirk